As a graduate of BU School of Social Work, you’ll have access to a range of resources that will support you as you enter the social work profession. In addition to the rich practical experience you gained through field education, you’ll find a variety of workshops on topics such as licensure, resume writing, and interviewing. You can connect with alumni in fields of interest and provide you with additional networking opportunities throughout your time at BU and beyond. As home to our own Network for Professional Education, all BUSSW graduates receive discounts on post-graduate training opportunities as alumni.
Workshops & Programs
A sampling of career and job search-related workshops, panels, and programs hosted by Student Services:
- MSW Alumni & Student Mixer
- Resume Workshop
- Loan Forgiveness Program Workshop
- Social Work Licensure Presentation
Resources
To connect with other BU community members, you can join BU Connects, a platform exclusively for BU alumni, students, faculty, and staff. BU Connects provides access to a suite of networking tools and career resources, including industry and affinity groups, a networking directory, mentoring, and jobs and internships. BU Connects is also integrated with LinkedIn so you can do all of your BU personal and professional networking in one digital environment. Join the community at buconnects.com.
The University’s Center for Career Development offers resources for students and is home to BU Handshake—a digital hub for those exploring employment opportunities.
Connect with BUSSW alumni via our LinkedIn group and make use of BU’s Career Advisory Network (CAN) to connect with alumni across the country. Students are eligible to join the professional organization National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and take advantage of NASW’s numerous career resources.
Licensure
Licensure as a certified or clinical social worker opens many doors in the profession. Not only is it increasingly a requirement in many government and institutional settings, it often comes with higher rates of compensation and the general public’s peace of mind and confidence.
91% of BUSSW graduates successfully pass their social work licensure exam upon graduation. From your field education placements to your advisory relationships and classroom work, you will receive rigorous training for your licensing exam—a focal point of professional preparation.
Each state has different regulations for social licensing and certification. If you are interested in being licensed in a state or applying for reciprocity, information from the destination state is essential. You can obtain a contact list for different state boards through the Association of Social Work Boards.
We offer a wide variety of licensure prep resources for students approaching graduation. Additional resources are available to BIPOC, Latinx, and non-native English-speaking students.
View upcoming license prep workshops, study groups and more on our License Prep Opportunities webpage!